Implementation of granite mass management system (MMS) in commercial granite quarries- a scientific solution for assessment of recovery percentage-case study based on indian context (Published)
Mass Management System (MMS) is considered as an important tool within the operating system of commercial granite quarries which are spread across the southern peninsular India where huge deposits for exploiting both black and multicolored granite varieties occur. The history of commercial granite exploitation dates back to late sixties and is now considered as one of the commodities having potential for earning foreign exchange besides for employment generation in rural sector. With the exponential growth of the granite industry during recent times, the quarrying techniques have been advanced by adopting the State of the Art technology to suit its mass exploitation. Due to various geological factors like regional tectonics and associated structural styles viz. faults, folds, shear fractures, restrict its recovery to the minimal and as a result huge quantity of granite wastes generate in all the quarry fronts causing a major environmental problem. In this context, implementation of MMS in quarries play a vital role in enhancing its recovery percentage and also for proper upkeep of records quantifying the total mass generated within approved mining scheme period of five years vis a vis establishing the actual recovery of saleable blocks in that quarry. This will help the quarry owners not only to prognosticate the monthly production but also to safeguard at times of crisis whenever any dispute arise with Government authorities in quantifying the saleable blocks and for payment of huge penalty amount running to several crores of rupees. As such maintenance of such records is mandatory as per Granite Conservation and Development Rules 1999, it is observed that most of the quarries lack proper data or no scientific method adopted to quantify the total mass of granite excavated in a particular quarry month/year wise. Therefore, based on the problems experienced by quarry owners during recent times, it is apprehended the need for a scientific method viz MMS for implementation in quarries not only to defend themselves at times dispute with authorities but also to plan their quarry operations in a more meaningful manner
Keywords: Implementation, Indian, commercial granite, granite mass management system (MMS), quarries